Stigma among the Families Engaged in Rag-Picking: Development and Validation of the Stigma Assessment Schedule Gautam Aishwarya1,*, Bhadra Subhasis2, Ahmed Atiq3 1PhD Research Scholar, Department of Social Work, Central University of Rajasthan, Kishangarh, Rajasthan, India 2Associate Professor, Department of Social Work, Central University of Rajasthan, Kishangarh, Rajasthan, India 3Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, Central University of Rajasthan, Kishangarh, Rajasthan, India *Corresponding author email id: aishwarya.gautam22@gmail.com
Online Published on 30 November, 2023. Abstract Rag-pickers, individuals who engage in the collection and sorting of waste materials, face significant social stigmatization due to their occupation. However, there is a lack of standardized measures to assess the extent and impact of stigma experienced by rag-pickers. This study aims to address this gap by developing and validating a comprehensive assessment tool. Extensive literature review, expert consultations, and focused group discussions were conducted to identify key dimensions and indicators of stigma. These findings guided the development of a comprehensive item pool, ensuring content validity and reliability. The development and validation of the Stigma Assessment Schedule provide a valuable contribution to the field of stigma research. The SAS total and subscale scores all had acceptable Cronbach’s Alpha, and I-CVI scores were also excellent. The overall findings support the SAS as a psychometrically sound tool. By offering a reliable and comprehensive measurement tool, this study addresses a critical gap in the literature, enabling researchers and practitioners to effectively assess and monitor stigma related to occupation, especially among rag-pickers. Top Keywords Rag-pickers, Stigma, Validity, Reliability. Top |